3-Time International Tree Climbing Champion Addresses MA Tree Wardens

Amherst, MA – On July 22, 2014, renowned arborist and international tree climbing champion Mark Chisholm addressed a capacity crowd of 40 municipal arborists as part of the Massachusetts Tree Wardens’ and Foresters’ Association summer ‘Professional Development Series’ (PDS). The theme of this PDS related to safe work practices, with emphasis on the use of specialized urban forestry equipment like bucket trucks and cranes. “I’ve been a practicing arborist for many years and I want to continue to be active for many years to come” said Chisholm, “specialized urban forestry equipment needs to be maintained and used in accordance with its limitations and when we as users become careless, preventable accidents happen.” Joining Chisholm on the agenda were Calvin Layton, Systems Arborist for Western Mass Electric Company and Bill Mitchell, Northeast Sales Representative for Forestry Equipment of Virginia.

Participants travelled from across the Commonwealth and New England to see Chisholm and the roster of program speakers.

100% of attendees indicated that they would like to participate in more programs like this. Written feedback included enthusiastic comments, like:

“Very well put together program” and “Good speaker choices – they complimented each other’s subject material.”

Chisholm kindly appeared at the request of program co-coordinator, UMass Ext. Asst. Professor Rick Harper, with generous support from Northeast Stihl.